Rhiannon Chandler-Day re-lives the Tigers-Saints derby day

We always knew Welford Road would be full to the brim for Derby Day against Northampton Saints, writes Bloggers’ Bench member Rhiannon Chandler-Day.

And it was – packed to the rafters – with 24,000 supporters. Everything was riding on this match for Leicester as a win would mean securing their place in the play-offs, and they did…

But Saints didn't make it easy for them.

That said, it was Tigers who were on the front foot early doors and with need and momentum behind them; it only took all of six minutes for the boot of Freddie Burns to slot the first penalty. But when a collapsed scrum favoured Saints, it was Jimmie Wilson who reciprocated to level.

Tiger’s play oozed promise and their powerful forwards pack kept pushing; and it reaped dividends when a rolling maul led by Jordan Crane off a line out was only going to end one way – with the first try of the game, accompanied by an incredible and inevitable roar from the fans faithful of Welford Road!